Mr & Mrs Spicy Margarita

Mr & Mrs Spicy Margarita is a ready-to-pour cocktail mixer, so the lime, sweetener and heat are already balanced in the bottle. You add the spirit. The name points to a margarita with a chili kick. Spicy margarita mixers like this usually put citrus up front, a light sweetness in the middle and a warm, peppery finish that builds on the back of the palate. Check the label for the exact ingredients and heat level, since the heat can vary a lot between brands. The classic base is blanco tequila. Its clean agave and pepper notes work with the chili, and a reposado adds a soft oak and vanilla layer that rounds out the heat. Mezcal is the other option. A small float of it, or a full pour, brings smoke that suits spicy mixes well. Follow the label's ratio for the spirit. As a starting point, many mixers of this type work at roughly two parts mixer to one part tequila, and you can adjust from there. Shake with plenty of ice until the shaker is cold, then strain. Serve it over fresh ice, or straight up if you like it without dilution. Chilling the mixer in the fridge beforehand helps it stay bright and keeps the ice from melting too fast. For glassware, a rocks glass or a stemmed margarita glass both work. A rim of salt, Tajín or chili-lime salt reinforces the spice, and a lime wheel or a thin jalapeño slice makes a natural garnish. Tacos al pastor, grilled shrimp, carnitas, guacamole and salty tortilla chips are good matches, because the citrus and sweetness cut through rich, salty or fatty food. If you want less heat, add a splash of fresh lime juice or a little more tequila to loosen the mix.